I received the “Devolites Dispatch” in the mail from Jeannemarie Devolites, the Virginia state senator for District 34, where I reside. I did not vote for her - to summarize why, I’ll just mention that she’s a Republican. But included with this dispatch was the 2005 General Assembly Questionnaire, which I was invited to fill out and return by mail, fax, or e-mail. I sent my responses by e-mail, but I figured I’d share them here, too. Questions are in bold, the responses I chose are in italics.

The General Assembly may be asked to pass legislation that will provide for a citizen referendum to amend the Constitution of Virginia, which would provide that marriage is between a man and a woman. Which option below most carefully reflects your view?

1. Marriage should be between a man and a woman only. Other arrangements between same-sex domestic partners, such as emergency visitation rights, inheritance and insurance coverage are already covered adequately in the Code of Virginia.
2. Marriage should be between a man and a woman only. The Commonwealth may allow certain rights between domestic same-sex partners, such as civil union.
3. Marriage should be legal between people of the same sex.
4. Undecided.

Approximately 65% of the current state Transportation Trust Fund (made up primarily of gas tax receipts) is used solely for road maintenance, leaving relatively few dollars for road and mass transit construction projects. Our region currently faces traffic congestion second only to Los Angeles, CA. Which of the following best reflect your view on transportation funding?

1. No additional taxes are needed. The Commonwealth should cut other budget items to fund transportation.
2. No additional state revenues are needed. We should push harder for more federal dollars.
3. A “Bad Driver” fee should be added to serious traffic infractions (DUI, reckless driving, multiple citations) to raise additional transportation revenues.
4. A local increase of 5 cents in gasoline taxes should be approved, with all proceeds earmarked for local projects.
5. Use tolls to pay for new roads.

Currently, Northern Virginia localities have the authority to install cameras at intersections to catch red light violators. The violator is fined but no points are assessed to the driver’s license. Which of the following best reflects your view of “photo red” technology?

1. Local jurisdictions should be given permanent authority to install cameras at intersections.
2. This authority should not be extended.

Virginia currently has a law that limits the purchase of guns to one per month. Exceptions exist for dealers and certain law enforcement officers. Which position below best reflects your views?

1. This exception should be extended to individuals holding concealed weapons permits.
2. Concealed weapon permit holders should not be able to purchase more than one gun per month.

Should concealed weapon permit holders be allowed to carry their concealed weapon into restaurants serving alcohol?

1. Yes
2. No